Davies will lead the tourists to South Africa next year © Getty Images

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Who was the manager of the 2005 Lions? Most people go for Clive Woodward, a few, bizarrely, opt for Alastair Campbell, the press officer, but very few come up with the right answer - former England and Lions skipper, Bill Beaumont.

Sir Clive was, of course, only the coach but in true Woodward fashion took over the whole shooting match. He was the one who decided on a revolutionary new approach with a squad of 44 players and 26 backroom staff. He decided the Lions would no longer be a touring team but would send a match squad to individual matches from their base camp; he was chief selector and spokesman.

It was the appliance of science as far as he was concerned but the tour was an unmitigated disaster as many of us predicted - Frankenstein's monster was nothing compared to this - and the very future of the Lions was called into question. Now, as we look forward to another tour next summer, Woodward theory has, thankfully been consigned to the dustbin. The Lions beat South Africa 2-1 on their last visit in 1997 and the 2009 manager, Gerald Davies, will be looking to emulate them by going back to traditional Lions values.

'It will be a much smaller playing squad,' he says emphatically. 'About 35 players and it's vital that they all believe they can make the test team.'

Davies concedes that it will still be a big party because of all the back-room staff which go with modern professional rugby but he insists they will be a tight knit group - above all, a team. Ian McGeechan, who masterminded the 1997 series victory, has been persuaded to come on board as head coach to go for a repeat performance but Davies leaves you in no doubt that he will be in charge.

In most modern teams the manager is a facilitator, working behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly for the coaching staff. The head coach and captain tend to be the main spokesmen for the team. With the Lions it is different. The manager is the first man appointed and from that moment it is (or should be) his show. He decides on his coaching team, chairs selection and even has an input into the fixture list.

Fran Cotton, the 1997 manager, memorably - and controversially at the time - decided he wanted Martin Johnson as his skipper because he wanted a 'big, intimidating presence.' Cotton, not McGeechan, was the man who fronted up whenever the going got tough. Davies leaves you in no doubt it will be the same this time round.

Although the tour is still eight months away preparations are already at an advanced stage. He has already visited South Africa with McGeechan to look at venues and make preliminary arrangements. The priority now is to put the rest of the coaching team in place. They will be announced on the 22nd or 23rd of October and most people will be surprised if there is not a Wasps reunion with Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards rejoining their old boss in some capacity.

Davies has already confirmed that although Wales are still considering a development tour next summer to North America he believes all the coaches under consideration are available. There is not an official panel of selectors but the advice of Jim Telfer, Donal Lenihan and Martin Johnson will also be taken on board.

The first key date for the players will be around the 20th of January when a 'long list' of 60 players will be announced.

'The Heineken Cup matches and the autumn internationals are obviously very important,' says Davies. 'England, Scotland and Wales are all playing South Africa so there is the chance to put down a significant marker and we shall be watching all those matches with particular interest.'

The team will be announced in mid April and although immediate pre-tour preparations are likely to be disrupted by players being absent for the Heineken and Challenge Cup finals he also insists the whole team will leave together on Sunday May 24th.

So, does he feel added pressure because the last tour went so horribly wrong? I suggest the whole future of the Lions could be in doubt if they are not more competitive on this trip. Davies will not be drawn. 'Everybody does things their way,' is all he will say about the New Zealand tour. 'I feel a great responsibility about preserving the traditions of the Lions but I see it much more as an exciting challenge.

'I have a passion for the Lions and everything they represent - they are the last great international touring team in the world and I want that tradition to continue. I am looking forward not back.'

He was one of the most stylish players of his generation and he always had a great side-step. Nothing has changed.